Spot-treat symptoms. Avoid combination cold medicines, which contain a mix of decongestant, antihistamine, and expectorant drugs, Dr. Martin says. At best, he says, they're not very effective. At worst, they can cause side effects like drowsiness or even heart palpitations. You'll get quicker relief using two or more remedies that target a single specific symptom.
For a runny nose, for example, take a nonsedating antihistamine. For a cough, try tea with honey; research has found that sweet tastes can be supereffective at suppressing a cough. (Here are more home remedies for colds if you're steering clear of meds.)
Get back to the gym. Restarting your exercise routine can help you get better. Stick to cardio, which Dr. Martin says is best at boosting blood flow, oxygenating your tissues, and releasing symptom-relieving endorphins. Just listen to your body and dial back the intensity of your workouts as needed.
